NFL MVP Watch: Close race near the top

By Barrett Gess

Sports Blogger

This week’s list is identical to last week’s. The difference is the top three have proven to be a step ahead and are in a deadlock for first. At this point, it is anyone’s for the taking.

Alex Smith, QB, Kansas City Chiefs

(Dave Kopp, Flickr)

The Chiefs have now lost two consecutive games. This time it was not the offense’s fault. Kansas City scored 30 points and Alex Smith was the main reason why, throwing for 342 yards and three touchdowns. Smith continues to shine as the top quarterback, as he still has yet to throw an interception. If Smith can continue this consistency, expect him to stay atop this list week in and week out.

Tom Brady, QB, New England Patriots

In a Super Bowl rematch that was never really close, Tom Brady and the Patriots dominated the Falcons. Although Brady did not have to be, he was all around solid with two touchdowns and 249 passing yards. The gap between Smith and Brady is not big and one bad game from the Chiefs’ play caller could see Brady take the top spot.

Carson Wentz, QB, Philadelphia Eagles

The Philadelphia Eagles came out on top against the Washington Redskins on Monday night in a game that seemed to have an injury or a flag every other play. Despite this, Carson Wentz put on a show and help the Eagles take a commanding lead in the NFC East. Wentz’s four touchdowns and 268 passing yards were not the only highlights of his game. Wentz used his legs as well, rushing for 64 yards, including a 17-yard run on a crucial 3rd down in the 4th quarter in which it looked like the Redskins had him nine yards behind the line of scrimmage.

Kareem Hunt, RB, Kansas City Chiefs

Kareem Hunt had himself another 100 plus total yard performance. His 87 rushing and 30 receiving yards puts him more than 1,000 total yards this season. Although that is impressive, he has not looked as dominant the past two games as he did in the first five. He has not scored a touchdown in the past four games, which will only continue to hurt his chances if he does not pick that up.